( 
)
This guide is a continuation of my original Guide to planning & ENJOYING Disney World. I will discuss the best attractions, shows, and restaurants to help you plan the best vacation you can have. Also keep in mind that Disney offers so much that I may not cover every attraction. If you have time for something along the way I encourage you to try it out.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my guides, I do hope this helps you. To guide you through this guide I have set it up to first give you a primer then we will go into detail of each area of the Park. Anything that is underlined links you off the guide to somewhere else on eBay such as an eBay search of that item. If you want to keep my guide open, right click the link and press "Open in a New Window."
The Basics!
My favorite and the most relaxing park, this park opened only a few years ago, but has grown by leaps and bounds. Disney's tag line for this park is 'Natazu,' which is pronounced as 'Not a Zoo.' Although this park centers it's theme around animals this is no ordinary day at the park. The park is the largest Disney park; in fact the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction is larger than the entire Magic Kingdom park!
Going hand in hand with the park's Animal theme, this park is centered around nature and the environment. This being said, unlike the other three concrete & steel made Disney parks, this park tends to get quite steamy and hot especially in the summer. Be sure to wear light clothes and bring a water bottle to refill. The Animal Kingdom also usually closes earlier than the other parks so unless you are traveling in the winter you can probably leave your sweater back at the hotel.
When to go. Since the Animal Kingdom park closes earlier than the other parks plan on getting their as soon as the park opens. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, the Hilton across from Downtown Disney, Shades of Green, or the Swan & Dolphin be sure to take advantage of EXTRA MAGIC HOURS. This benefit allows you to enter the park an hour early or stay and extra three hours after closing time on certain days of the week. If you have not booked your room yet this is a great deciding point on choosing to stay with Disney or off property. Also keep in mind that if you are staying off property, including the Downtown Disney hotels you will need to pay $9 per day for parking a standard vehicle.
Entrance / The Oasis / Tree of Life
The sheer size of the Animal Kingdom can be scary. I can remember my first trip here; I missed so much I thought this park was too small when in reality it is by far the largest! Don't be fooled by the double entrance to the park. Upon entering you can proceed either to the left or right of the Oasis (when it is busy take the left side in and out as it is usually less congested). Both paths reconnect at the bridge in front of the Tree of Life..
The Tree of Life is covered with more than 325 animal images that seem to have been carved into the tree. Beleive it or not there is actually an attraction inside the tree. "It's Tough to be a Bug" makes you an honorary bug during this 4-D sensory thrilling show. Be careful with young children an those afraid of bugs. This attraction continues to scare audiences with its' intense special effects.
Camp Minnie Mickey
Proceeding to the left of the Tree of Life the first area you come up to is Camp Minnie Mickey. Although not a huge land, Camp Minnie Mickey has the best show at Disney World. The Festival of the Lion King show is an absolute DON'T MISS. This show is so popular it is highly recommended to arrive early since it runs full nearly every showing. The show has live performers singing the music of the Lion King, but in an un-traditional format. Unlike most other stage shows this show does not replicate the actual movie. And although Simba, Timone and Pumba are there, the stars are the human performers. This show has something for everyone from gymnastics to romantics to thrill seekers.
Camp Minnie Mickey is also the best place to going character hunting. Mickey and his pals are decked out in safari gear taking pictures and signing autographs behind the Festival of the Lion King show. Don't forget your autograph book! The only other attraction in Camp Minnie Mickey is the Pocahontas and her Forest Friends show. A nice show, but if it's busy and you don't have time you're not missing much. This is a simple animal show where Pocahontas interacts with various animals such as a racoon, and a snake.
Africa
The only way to get out of Camp Minnie Mickey is the same way you came in. Once back on the main path continue to the left. Just as you enter Africa look to the right when going over the bridge. This is one of the BEST picture spots. You can get the Tree of Life and the new Expedition Everest mountain range in the shot!
Kilimanjaros Safaris is my favorite ride attraction at Disney World. It is smart to make this your very first stop at the park. The line adds up the rest of the day, but hit this first mainly for a better animal spotting experience. This attraction takes you to the heart of Africa on a two-week safari. You may run into rhino, giraffe, hippo and so much more. The animals are much more active in the morning than they are at any other time of the day. You never know what your going to see when you get on the huge safari truck.
Just off the Kilimanjaros Safaris exit head to your right if it's not too busy and check out the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. Gorillas and other African animals can be seen up close and personal on this walking path.
Also in Africa is the Harambe train station. This train takes you to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Here there is an affection section (petting zoo) and wildlife conservation exhibits. Get there in the morning to watch animal exams, and maybe even a surgery or two. The Animal Kingdom vet hospital services not only animals Disney owns, but also wild animals on property that need care!
Asia
Continuing along around the tree of life in a clockwise direction past Africa lands you at Asia. Two of the parks biggest attractions are located here. Disney's newest attraction, Expedition Everest is located here. Officially scheduled to open in April, Disney is already running the roller coaster in a "soft opening" state; meaning it may be open and it may not be. Without giving away any secrets, this roller coaster is not your ordinary thrill ride. Although it does not go upside down it does just about everything else including things you would never expect from a roller coaster. Definately try to hit this ride first in the day, or at least get some fast passes for the ride first thing then head to the Safari in Africa while waiting for your fastpass time.
Asia also hosts Kali River Rapids. This is your traditional raft ride done with the magic of Disney story telling. This attraction, although not very long is a great way to cool off on that hot summer day. If it is cold or windy still hit this attraction, but make it your last stop before leaving the park! You will get wet!!Just beyond the exit of Kali River Rapids is the Maharaja Jungle Trek. Similar to the Pangani trail this is a walking path that leads you to some of Asia's best know inhabitants such as bats and tigers!
Dinoland USA
My first impression years ago of Dinoland was "cheesy" and that's kind of where Disney was going with this land. Most of Dinoland is setup to appear like a "tourist trap" roadside stop on your way to the main attraction. The main attraction here is Dinosaur. If you have been to Animal Kingdom but not in several years this land has changed the most of any other Disney park land. Attractions like Tarzan Rocks! and 2000 Dinosaur Jubilee are gone. Although Dinosaur has always been the same attraction, it's original name was "Countdown to Extinction." Dinosaur is a thrilling attraction that puts you in a time machine rover to pickup and bring back a dinosaur. As you may have guessed things don't always go as planned! This attraction may be too intense for some guests.
Also in Dinoland Primeval Whirl is what you get when Disney crosses a roller coaster with the teacups! Halfway through this not-so-bad roller coaster the car unlocks and starts spinning around through turns! While the big kids are enjoying the attractions in Dinoland there are also a few things for the little ones. TriceraTop Spin is a dinosaur themed attraction that has the same feel as the Dumbo ride at Magic Kingdom. The Boneyard Playground is a great place to let the kids play out that extra energy they might still have!
Everything Else
Animal Kingdom's parade, Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, is a fun party-style parade. Check your time guide (found at any store or at the main time guide in front of the Tree of Life) for the parade time. A great place to watch the parade is from Africa. The parade starts in Africa loops it's way all the way around the tree of life and ends back in Africa. The second pass on Africa is almost always less crowded!
Where & What to eat
Africa - The Tusker House is definately a top-notch quick service restaurant. Your food is served as if it is fast food, but the quality and menu selection is the best in the park. The highlight is the rotisserie chicken cooked in a 16-foot fire wall.
Dinoland USA - Restaurantosaurus serves two styles. In the morning they host a Character breakfast with Donald Duck and pals. Breakfast is all you care to eat buffet style. After breakfast the restaurant converts to a quick service style. Serving familiar McDonald's type food this can be a familiar stop for many. The burgers however are flame grilled instead of fried, and the toppings bar is endless - create your own custom McEverything burger!
Just outside Dinoland - Flame Tree Barbecue is another quick-service restaurant with quality in mind. This restaurant features BBQ sandwiches, ribs and turkey that are all wood-roasted right out of the smoker.
Camp Minnie Mickey - The Pizzafari is just outside Camp Minnie Mickey. As the name hints this restaurant specialized in pizza. A great option for the little ones!
Park Entrance - Although not a Disney operated restaurant, the Rainforest cafe at the entrance to the park is the only table service restaurant at Animal Kingdom. This restaurant features classic fare in a tropical rainforest setting, complete with waterfalls, thunderstorms and colorful fish. Admission to the park is NOT necessary to enjoy the Rainforest Cafe.
Rainy days
- Escape like the animals do! Hide under the biggest tree you can find by enjoying a showing of It's Tough to Be a Bug or head over to Festival of the Lion King.
- The que line for Dinosaur is indoors but if you are already wet the A/C may freeze you!
- Go shopping at anyone of the many shops. Much of the unique merchandise found at the Animal Kingdom can't be found anywhere else at Disney World.
Did you know...
- Your merchandise purchases can be delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room.
- The benches at Animal Kingdom are made of recycled plastic milk jugs!
- Disney does not serve straws with their drinks at Animal Kingdom. If an animal tried to eat one it could harm them.
- The Kiliminjaro Safari trucks run on propane instead of gasoline since it is cleaner.
- Animal Kingdom serves about three tons of food a day (for animals).
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
